UTEP Running Back Nathan Jeffery Named C-USA Offensive Player of the Week

UTEP sophomore RB Nathan Jeffery was tabbed the Conference USA Offensive Player of the Week announced the league office on Monday. This is the first career honor for Jeffery and the first for the Miners since the 2010 campaign.

Jeffery ran for a career-best 177 yards on 21 carries for UTEP against no.4 Oklahoma. Jeffery became the 14th Miner back to rush for 100+ yards in a season opener since 1950 and set a school record for rushing yards in a season opener, eclipsing the 164 set in 1976.

Five of Jeffery’s carries where for over 10 yards, including a 71-yard run that marked the fourth-best effort in the Mike Price era and the best by an underclassman at UTEP since 2001.

UTEP’s only touchdown of the game came at the hands of Jeffery, who returned a block punt 24 yards to reach paydirt. The Texas native compiled 291 all-purpose yards.

The Miners head to Oxford, Miss. to take on Ole Miss in UTEP’s first road contest of 2012. Kickoff is slated for 5 p.m. MT and will be aired live on FOX Sports Network.